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Liberal Democrats on Kent County CouncilThe Official Opposition on Kent County Council |
£150,000 of Taxpayers' Money on KCC's Front Garden
April 20, 2004 9:00 AM
County Councillor Margaret Featherstone is concerned that local people have not been consulted over proposed changes to the area at the front of County Hall
Conservative members of KCC's Planning Committee carried the day against the concerns expressed by local Liberal Democrat County Councillor Margaret Featherstone, when they endorsed a controversial plan to prettify the area in front of County Hall.
Plans to install granite planters and seating and to re-arrange the expensive Yorkstone paving in Sessions House Square to encourage skate-boarding youngsters to use the pedestrian cut-through between the Square and Lower Boxley Road, were condemned by Margaret as "the wrong scheme at the wrong time".
Margaret said: "I have consulted widely with my constituents as to what they think should go in Sessions House Square. The Square is an important open-space in Maidstone, and any proposals for change should consider this context. Responses from local people were unanimous on three points:-
1. To spend £150,000 now on a scheme was a waste of money; plans should take into account the major development shortly expected for Maidstone East Station.
2. People wanted to see trees "to give life and movement to the square".
3. Residents would like to see a Farmers' Market located there."
Margaret commented: "I am concerned that Councillors - both Borough and County - who represent local residents, were not consulted before proposals were finalised. The voice of local residents has not been heard.
"Once the granite planters are installed there will be no space for activities such as a market. Also to encourage skate-boarders to use the pedestrian access through from Lower Boxley Road is likely to be dangerous for residents walking into town.
"Sessions House Square is important to KCC as the setting for County Hall. It is important for Maidstone Borough as a gateway to the town, which will become more important with the major retail developments expected shortly.
"Instead of consulting widely, and listening to responses, KCC has treated the Square as its own front garden and given itself permission to do so. No-one would deny the need for improvement here, but this is the wrong scheme at the wrong time."